TORONTO - One of lacrosse's brightest young goaltending stars signed with the Toronto Rock today. Kitchener's Mike Poulin has signed a one-year deal with the Rock. As per club policy, other terms of the deal were not disclosed. Last year, Poulin was selected in the second round, 21st overall in 2005 Entry Draft by the Buffalo Bandits but was released by the team in March.

"The major reason for us to bring Mike on board is that we need to find the future goaltender of the Toronto Rock," said Rock director of lacrosse operations, Mike Kloepfer. "And the reason for signing him is that of all the young goaltending prospects out there, we feel he could be the next No. 1 goaltender to eventually replace (Bob) Watson."

"Mike has been successful at the Jr. A level here in Ontario and we believe that his skill sets and character make him one of the NLL's best young goaltending prospects," Kloepfer said. "We believe the signing of Mike gives us an opportunity to secure our goaltending future."

Poulin was the starting goalie for the Orangeville Junior A Northmen and played in 21 games recording nine assists. Kloepfer expects Poulin to challenge for the backup goaltending job in 2007 with returning candidates J Preece (on practice roster in 2006) and Phil Wetherup (backup goalie in 2006).